Camaraderie of Excellence

Transcript

The new boss was tough: short on praise…quick to criticize. He set high quotas, and he pushed people to meet them. In cubicles and emails, complaints ran high.

Soon something else ran high: productivity. Followed closely by new self-respect. Raises and bonuses also rose. The group gained new stature. The annual review was a new day. Suddenly, the boss seemed less troublesome. What’s more, as the department came to life, gossip died.

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Good leaders know that in aiming for tough goals, we reach new parts of ourselves—and others. Along the way, a community of complaints gives way to the camaraderie of excellence…in the high calling of our daily work.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
(Psalm 90:15–17)